In addition to the APLIC conference (my favorite, of course) I also regularly attend the much larger SLA annual conference. Because SLA is so big, I thought it might be helpful to pick out a few programs that would be of particular interest to APLIC members. If you’ve spotted a good one I missed, please add it in the comments. I’d also like to have an APLIC get-together during the conference – watch for information on the APLIC listserv.

Social Science Division Business Meeting Breakfast (Monday, 8-9:30 a.m.)

This Monday morning breakfast is a good way to meet new colleagues and find out about programs at the conference. If you’re not a member of the Social Science Division, this is also a good way to find out about it. It’s a ticketed event (#425) but $10 for a full breakfast is a conference bargain! You can purchase a ticket at registration on-site.

Thomson Reuters EndNote Bibliographic Update (Monday, 1:30-2:30 p.m., INFO EXPO Hall A, Booth 154)

Yes, it’s a vendor session – but probably useful for those of us who use or provide support for EndNote.

Open Source Technology for Libraries (Monday, 2-3:30 p.m., Conv. Ctr. Room 232)

Nicole Engard is an expert on open source for libraries, having given numerous talks and edited Library Mashups.

Brand You and Web 2.0 (Monday, 2-3:30 p.m., Conv. Ctr. La Louisiane Ballroom)

Mary Ellen Bates is always in high demand at SLA. In this session, she’ll talk about how to use the social web to build your network and share expertise while maintaining a professional image.

International Reception (Monday, 6-7:30 p.m., Meet at the Convention Center, Outside of Lobby B at 5:45 p.m.)

The International Reception is always a don’t-miss SLA event for me, and this year in New Orleans should be no exception. Follow the band from the Convention Center to Generations Hall, a block away.

Social Science, Museum, Arts and Humanities, Education and Academic Divisions Poster Session and Open House (Monday, 7-9 p.m., Historic New Orleans Collections, 533 Royal Street)

After the International Reception, continue networking and enjoying refreshments while viewing poster presentations.

Census 2010: A Progress Report (Tuesday, 10-11:30 a.m., Conv. Ctr. Room R09)

Find out the latest on Census 2010.

International Virtual Libraries (Tuesday, 2-3:30 p.m., Conv. Ctr. Room R09)

Learn about major virtual libraries like UNESCO’s World Digital Library and the European Union’s Europeana, plus the Google Books settlement.

Social Technologies for Collaboration (Tuesday, 2-3:30 p.m., Conv. Ctr. Room 230)

Speakers share their experiences with various technologies and provide tips on which to use when.

Embed Yourself: The Librarian is IN (Wednesday, 10-11:30 a.m., Conv. Ctr. Room R06)

Many of us in APLIC have opportunities to be involved in research, project planning, and data curation. Find out how to embed yourself at this session.

The Parties

Though things have scaled back a bit with the economy, SLA’s parties are still legendary. After a day of learning and networking, let loose a little bit at the dance parties – the Academic Division Open House and Dance Party on Sunday from 9-midnight at the Sheraton Hotel Rhythms Ballroom, and IT, Leadership and Management, and Physics-Astronomy-Math Open House and Dance Party on Tuesday from 9-midnight at the Sheraton Hotel Armstrong Ballroom.